The fascinating culture that once thrived within the grand city of ancient Rome is now being experienced within the walls of our school. The school’s Latin club has taken up the task of transporting students back in time to relive what it would have felt like to live in that era.

In recent years, this club has experienced significant growth, attracting many enthusiastic students. What began as a small club has now evolved into a thriving association that encourages learning and appreciation for ancient Roman culture and language.

Latin teacher Julia Kolander believes keeping the Roman culture and language alive is critical due to its tremendous influence on society today.

“It’s not just about how your vocabulary gets better, or the discipline of studying, it’s really a massive part of history. Something that lasted from 1200 to 2000 years, we’re totally ignoring it. It has massive influence on America itself, our history, and our government in the way we do things,” Kolander said.

Freshman Lexi Reznicek feels that Latin club allows her to learn more about Latin and Roman culture beyond what is taught in her Latin class.

“I just think it’s cool to see how [Romans] thought and how they’ve influenced us.  One time we did cooking and that I think that helped you see where the foods we eat today came from. We had spaghetti [in that activity] and they ate spaghetti back then,” Reznicek said.

The Latin Honors Society, a group of highly dedicated and Latin-interested scholars, plays a significant role in organizing the club’s activities. They bring fresh ideas to the table and ensure the smooth planning process of events by sorting out the logistics. Whether it’s brainstorming new concepts or coordinating event details, the Society is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Latin Honors Society captivated the interest of Junior Brayden Corrigan due to his interest in contributing fresh ideas.

“It makes me feel trusted [like] my voice and ideas matter. Even if they aren’t accepted, [they] are at least heard,” Corrigan said. “The increase in responsibility is nice because it kind of acts as motivation for something to do when I don’t have anything else to do,”

Some of the activities Latin club design engage students in activities such as Latin-originated cooking demonstrations and art activities and watching films about Roman culture and mythology. The club also holds trivia nights to test knowledge of Roman culture and mythology, as well as board game nights where students are invited to participate in games about Roman culture or from Roman times.

Latin club sponsor and teacher Terry Meyer feels that one of the reasons why the club is so popular this year is due to its imaginative and creative engagement with students.

“Students love our cooking demonstrations. Those types of events have caused a lot of growth in the club… Latin club deals with things that are very imaginative. It lets kids explore a time and place that is exciting and unique,” Meyer said. “We look at [myths of the classical period], watch those movies, and engage in those ideas.”

For the upcoming spring break, the club is also planning a potential field trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City to see Greek and Roman artifacts.

Sophomore Wilder Boggs feels the club is effective at teaching about Roman culture through its stimulating and one-of-a-kind activities.

“I like history and mythology, so getting to do extra: learning about them and just being engaged in them, is pretty fun. I think it does a good job of mixing language and culture,” Boggs said.

Senior Ainsley Anderson feels accomplished when she sees students attending Latin club activities and and enjoying themseleves.

“Latin is something I enjoy and being in Latin Honors Society allows me to take a step up and be a leader. I think it’s cool that as students, [we] can plan these events for our peers. It allows people to get together, collaborate, and bond over something. It creates a cool environment,” Anderson said.  “… It’s cool that I’m able to be a part of that and create that space for everyone,”

Overall, Latin Club has evolved into a diverse and vibrant community attracting students through engaging activities designed to recreate the ancient Roman experience. With a strong focus on community-building and peer support, the Latin Club offers a safe and welcoming space where students can learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for Latin history, culture, and tradition.